Notre Dame College English Faculty Mentor Students to International Conference

Two Notre Dame College faculty members have initiated a learning community in scholarly English studies.

Lynn Zimmerman, Ph.D., chair of the Division of Arts and Humanities and Amy Kesegich, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, already have mentored two students and a recent graduate to be selected to present academic papers at an international conference.

Zimmerman and Kesegich, who were selected to present their scholarly work in English studies at the annual Southwest American/Popular Culture Conference, also guided the College’s newest research scholars as the group traveled to New Mexico together to participate in the academic symposium.

Students Jamison DeWeerd and Andreas Kolaczko presented academic papers on the TV series Mad Men and Sherlock Holmes, respectively, while recent graduate Marissa Ortosky offered an essay on the novel The Last Werewolf.

The students and graduate were able to accompany the faculty members to the international conference through grant funding that supports shared learning communities.

In addition to the sharing academic interests in and out of the classroom, the Scholarly English Studies Community encompasses student engagement. It blends with the College’s student creative writing club and annual literary magazine, The Pivot. Kesegich serves as faculty advisor for both.

The community, officially launched with this academic conference experience, links not only academic curricula and student engagement but also distinctively connects College administration. Zimmerman serves as chair of Notre Dame’s Division of Arts and Humanities.

Learning communities, a strategic initiative for Notre Dame, improve persistence and completion as well as enhance student learning and build connections among students and faculty.

About Notre Dame College

For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.

Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master's degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Hallmarks of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff, and small class sizes.

Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For further information contact Brian Johnston, chief communications officer, at 216.373.5252 or bjohnston@ndc.edu.